Let the memories begin ... with a dream.

• Author: Eager-Leavitt, Stacey
• Position: What's New? - Walt Disney Co.

The world of Disney has been a place where generations of families have gathered, celebrations have been held, and dreams of meeting princesses and princes, pirates, and other wondrous characters have come true. Thus, this year's "Let the Memories Begin" is an apt theme for the Disney parks and resorts in Florida and California. At the same time, Disney Cruise Line has launched its newest ship--appropriately named Disney Dream.

The Dream bears basic similarities to her sister ships, the Wonder and Magic. Unlike other fleets in the cruising industry, Disney does not attempt to build a "ginormous" sailing "glitzmobile." This is no floating super city. Instead, the Dream gracefully goes beyond the wonders of her predecessors by enhancing the amenities to fulfill the desires of its guests.

The Dream maintains an elegance reminiscent of the early period of cruising, all the while providing high-energy fun and entertainment. There are some of the industry's best children's activities--very unlike other cruise lines' camp-style programs--with the newest technologies available for youngsters. Moreover, this ship goes beyond the customary teen hangout by providing an outdoor area with hot tubs and lounge chairs. Like the Wonder and Magic, the Dream features Broadway-style stage shows, family activities, and character appearances--as well as a seawater roller coaster, the Aqua-Duck, which takes its riders through a clear tube waterway 14 decks high.

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Disney's mastery of technology also has transformed the view of an inside cabin--literally--with a simulcast of the ocean transmitted through digital portholes. Indeed, Disney proved true to its reputation by not stopping there, as the virtual porthole not only shows day turning to night and night to day, but displays the arrival of special visitors, from Pearl, the starfish from "Finding Nemo," to Sebastion of "The Little Mermaid"--and do not be surprised if Steam Boat Willie stops by.

As for dining, the Dream definitely takes the experience to another level. The...